Afghanistan has announced its 17-member squad for the Asia Cup 2025, set to take place in the UAE from September 9 to 28, with Rashid Khan as captain. The team, revealed on August 24, 2025, combines experienced spinners and young talent to compete in the T20 tournament.
Squad Details and Key Inclusions
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) finalized the squad, emphasizing a spin-heavy approach to suit UAE conditions. Rashid Khan, a globally renowned leg-spinner, will lead the team, supported by veterans like Mohammad Nabi and returning pacer Naveen-ul-Haq. The squad excludes Hazratullah Zazai and Zubaid Akbari from the team that faced Zimbabwe in December 2024.
The ACB also named three reserve players—Wafiullah Tarakhil, Nangyal Kharote, and Abdullah Ahmadzai—to provide depth. Afghanistan will compete in Group B alongside Bangladesh, Hong Kong, and Sri Lanka.
Also Read: Pakistan Squad for Asia Cup 2025 – Players List & Captain
Full Afghanistan Squad
The squad blends spin bowling strength with a solid batting lineup, aiming to build on Afghanistan’s semi-final run in the 2024 T20 World Cup. The complete lineup is:
- Rashid Khan (Captain)
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Wicketkeeper)
- Ibrahim Zadran
- Darwish Rasooli
- Sediqullah Atal
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Karim Janat
- Mohammad Nabi
- Gulbadin Naib
- Sharafuddin Ashraf
- Mohammad Ishaq
- Noor Ahmad
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman
- Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar
- Farid Ahmad Malik
- Naveen-ul-Haq
- Fazalhaq Farooqi
Reserve players: Wafiullah Tarakhil, Nangyal Kharote, Abdullah Ahmadzai.
Afghanistan’s group stage matches are scheduled against Hong Kong on September 9, Bangladesh on September 16, and Sri Lanka on September 18, all in Abu Dhabi.
Also Read: Bangladesh’s Asia Cup Squad: Who’s In, Who’s Out?
Strategic Approach and Context
Afghanistan’s squad reflects confidence in their world-class spin attack, featuring Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, and Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar. The pace unit, led by Fazalhaq Farooqi, who took 17 wickets in the 2024 T20 World Cup, adds firepower. Naveen-ul-Haq’s return after a brief ODI retirement strengthens the bowling further.
The team’s batting relies on Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s explosive starts and Ibrahim Zadran’s anchoring role. The ACB’s focus on spin is tailored for UAE pitches, which often favor slower bowlers. Afghanistan’s strong showing in the 2024 T20 World Cup, where they defeated New Zealand and Australia, has raised expectations for a deep run.
Tournament Significance
The Asia Cup 2025, hosted in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, is a key preparation for the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. Afghanistan aims to challenge top teams in Group B and advance to the Super Four stage. Their opening match against Hong Kong on September 9 marks the tournament’s start.
Before the Asia Cup, Afghanistan will play a T20I tri-series in Sharjah from August 29 to September 7 against Pakistan and the UAE, providing valuable match practice. The team’s spin-heavy strategy and recent global success make them a formidable contender.
